Ameln Valley Morocco Trekking

When you first see Ameln Valley you may consider it a world of its own. Ameln Valley is known mostly for the 26 villages that reside there. It is also known for the natural landscape that surrounds it.

The villages sit interspersed throughout the valley and mountains, allowing for the trees and wildlife to still live. Many of the villages have their own charm, but you will want to structure your vacation around the more beautiful.

To visit the villages you may take a trekking tour, which moves you from one village to the next off the main road. Your other option is to travel around by car and then take day treks through the area. Trekking Morocco can be fun and easy if you are not interested in long days of hiking and camping.

The first and most famous village on the Ameln Valley tour will be Tafraoute. Tafraoute allows you to explore the base of the valley and work your way towards the higher elevations. It is a base for your trekking tours if you wish.

Morocco has many regions that are worth seeing. Unlike the High Atlas Mountains near M'Goun you will be in an area that is mapped when you visit Ameln Valley. The landscape has smaller trees, less green earth, and more clay. The Ameln Valley still has its own rugged beauty within the rough cliff sides of the mountains surrounding the villages.

Tafraoute will lead you to Oumesnat Village. This village is built into the rock face of the Kest Mountains. The houses have been built on top of older homes, which are no longer used. Most of the homes are on stilts to give them more stability.

After a lovely day of trekking through the village looking at the inspiration to build homes atop each other you will want to move towards Anameur. Anameur houses one of the best attractions in this region of Morocco.

The natural spring- water pool sits above the village homes. It provides a relaxing day to wash away the trekking excursions of the days past. The spring also provides gorgeous views of the Kest Mountains.

While in the area consider a trekking excursion up the Djebel El-Kest. This mountain is 2359 meters above sea level. The trekking Morocco tour of the mountain will start with an ascent to Tagoudiche, a village. The village is a nice stop before you head to the summit of the mountain. On your walk you should expect to see quartzite, amethyst, and a dyke which lies far below.

By Terry Hollowell